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Bat–ball contacts are critical in the baseball hitting process. However, an effective training method for increasing the impact perception of a bat–ball contact is currently unavailable. Although not widely used, hitting a stationary weighted baseball can be an appropriate method for batters to simulate the perception of hitting a moving baseball. Therefore, swing velocity, wrist vibration, and forearm muscle activation for hitting stationary weighted, stationary regulation, and pitched baseballs were investigated in this study. Twelve position players hit a stationary weighted, stationary regulation, and pitched baseball at a speed of 70.28 ± 3.84 km/h in a random order. The swing velocity, wrist vibration, forearm muscle activation, and co-contraction ratio during hitting phases were analysed. The results indicated that the swing velocity during each specific phase demonstrated no significant differences between the different conditions. Hitting weighted and pitched baseballs caused higher wrist vibration, muscle activation, and co-contraction ratio during the contact phase than hitting regulation balls (p < 0.05). The conclusion was that hitting weighted baseballs could mimic the impact condition of hitting pitched baseballs without changing the pattern of swing velocity, which suggested that this method has potential as a hitting drill for improving hitting perception at bat–ball contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMexican-origin youth, as a large and growing population among U.S. youth, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Understanding what, when, and how sociocultural factors may influence their COVID-19 vaccine uptake could inform current and future pandemic-response interventions promoting vaccination behaviors among Mexican-origin youth. The current study takes a developmental approach to reveal the long-term and short-term sociocultural antecedents of 198 Mexican-origin adolescents’ COVID-19 vaccination uptake behaviors and explores the underlying mechanism of these associations based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior model. The current study adopted Wave 1 (2012–2015) and Wave 4 (2021–2022) self-reported data from a larger study. Analyses were conducted to examine four mediation models for four sociocultural antecedents—daily discrimination, ethnic discrimination, foreigner stress, and family economic stress—separately. Consistent indirect effects of higher levels of concurrent sociocultural risk factors on a lower probability of COVID-19 vaccine uptake were observed to occur through less knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccines and less positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccines at Wave 4. Significant direct effects, but in opposite directions, were found for the associations between Wave 1 ethnic discrimination/Wave 4 daily discrimination and the probability of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The findings highlight the importance of considering prior and concurrent sociocultural antecedents and the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior pathway leading to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among Mexican-origin youth and suggest that the impact of discrimination on COVID-19 vaccination uptake may depend on the type (e.g., daily or ethnic) and the context (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic or not) of discrimination experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional carbon pricing policies focused on specific regions can be used to address local environmental problems. Using China as an example, we extend the spatial coverage of regionally designed policies to cover the entire nation and estimate the costs and benefits of these policies. Based on spatial correlation analysis, a multi-regional dynamic computable general equilibrium, and an extended response surface model with polynomial functions, we explore the co-benefits of regionally-differentiated carbon pricing policies in terms of their impacts on environmental justice and income (in)equality in China by 2060. One national and three regionally-differentiated carbon pricing policies are developed and explored based on 2005–2019 data, including spatial-cluster-level data on PM2.5 concentrations and CO2 emissions and data on average per capita GDP. Results show that the carbon pricing policies achieve China's 2030 carbon mitigation targets and contribute to the 2060 targets of carbon neutrality. However, regionally-differentiated carbon pricing policies result in greater CO2 and air pollutant reductions in their targeted regions compared with the national policy, as CO2 emissions in these regions are priced at higher levels. Regionally-differentiated carbon pricing policy, based on the historical spatial cluster level of PM2.5 concentrations, results in larger reductions in average PM2.5 concentrations in 30 provinces in 2060 compared with other policy scenarios. This policy also promotes improvements in environmental quality and justice across China, which generates additional human health benefits. Furthermore, regional carbon pricing policy has the potential to significantly narrow the income gap between regions. Regionally-differentiated carbon pricing policy designed based on the historical spatial cluster level of PM2.5 concentrations, compared with national policy, generates significant environmental and socio-economic co-benefits in the form of improved environmental justice and reduced income inequality. Regionally-differentiated carbon pricing policy also results in greater reductions in air pollution at a lower cost relative to a national policy and this will generate human health benefits. Results provide insights for other developing countries, especially those that have large disparities in regional economic development, regional income inequality, and air pollution problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the presentations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and the impact of the Omicron BF.7 variant. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years), who underwent MHD (dialysis vintage ≥ 3 months) at the Hemodialysis Center at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital between December 2022 and January 2023, were included based on predefined eligibility criteria. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were retrospectively collected. Among 131 patients who underwent MHD (10.7% vaccination rate), 106 (80.9%) tested positive for COVID-19. The prevalence of asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 was 8.5%, 58.5%, 17%, and 16%, respectively. Among the 97 patients with symptoms, 23 (23.7%) were hospitalized and six (5.7%) died. Fever was experienced by 74.2% of patients and respiratory symptoms were the most common (81.4%). Residual symptoms persisted in 20.9% of patients one month after the onset of COVID-19. COVID-19-positive hemodialysis patients were more likely to experience weight loss and exhibit reduced albumin levels compared to those without COVID-19 (p <.05). Compared with the asymptomatic group, patients with symptoms were younger, and exhibited higher interleukin-6 levels and lower post-infection phosphate levels (p <.05). Age, dialysis vintage, comorbidities, and inflammatory factors were positively associated with disease severity, while baseline albumin and hemoglobulin levels were associated with death (p <.05). In conclusion, COVID-19 was prevalent among patients undergoing MHD, even during the Omicron variant epidemic. Age, nutritional status, comorbidities, and inflammatory factors were associated with disease severity and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the end of 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak rapidly became a pandemic. The psychological state of people during the COVID-19 pandemic has gained interest. Our aim was to study the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to September 20, 2020. Reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to predefined criteria. Stata14/SE was used to calculate the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of anxiety, depression, and stress among college students from different countries. A random effects model was adopted. The Egger test was used to determine publication bias. Results: A total of 280 references were retrieved, and 28 papers met our inclusion criteria, for a total of 436,799 college students. Thirteen studies involved non-Chinese college students, and 15 studies involved Chinese college students. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress was 29% (95% CI, 19–25%), 37% (95% CI, 32–42%), and 23% (95% CI, 8–39%), respectively. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative psychological effect on college students, and the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among Chinese college students is lower than among non-Chinese college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasses-free three-dimensional (3D) displays are being regarded as the key to the future of display that will redefine the display industry. Inspired by the curved screen, liquid crystal micro-lens arrays (LC MLAs) on flexible PET substrate with a radius of curvature of 5 cm was achieved. For demonstration, an integral imaging-based 2D/3D convertible display system is proposed by using the flexible LC MLAs (FLC MLAs) to switch its operation mode between 2D and 3D modes. When the FLC MLAs with an applied voltage are in the system, the prototype renders a matched 3D image and works in 3D mode. When the FLC MLAs do not have an applied voltage, the FLC MLAs are equivalent to glass, and the display system works in 2D mode. In addition, we also demonstrated that the FLC MLAs have a wider viewing angle than the flat integral imaging 3D display system. The depth of field ranges from 6.78 to 210.12 mm under low operating voltages of 3.4 to 3.1 Vrms, respectively. With its low voltage, thin structure, and adjustable focal length form factors, the developed display system can be integrated with off-the-shelf purchased flat panels, making it a promising option for portable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midfrontal theta activity is crucial for attentional and cognitive control. However, its causal role in facilitating visual search, particularly from the perspective of distractor inhibition, is yet to be discovered. We applied theta band transcranial alternate current stimulation (tACS) over fronto-central regions when participants searched for targets among heterogeneous distractors with foreknowledge of distractor features. The results demonstrated improved visual search performance in the theta stimulation group compared to the active sham group. Moreover, we observed the facilitation effect of the distractor cue only in participants who exhibited larger inhibition benefits, which further confirms the role of theta stimulation in precise attentional control. Taken together, our results provide compelling causal evidence for the involvement of midfrontal theta activity in memory-guided visual search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to understand the tensions in China's national science system as China is becoming a central player in global knowledge production. Publishing patterns and international co-authorship patterns of Chinese universities were utilized to analyse the dynamics and tensions in the national science system. Findings show that China's scientific publishing and collaboration behaviours are embedded in the 'centre-periphery' framework of the global science system, which stimulates conflicts between the rapid growth of English publishing and the need of developing China's local indigenous research. The Chinese national science system is increasingly stratified as it moves from the 'periphery' towards the 'centre' of the global science system. Its integration into the global science system is reliant upon a handful of top research universities and disciplines in the natural sciences and engineering. A tension lies between the universal and open nature of science and the hierarchical global science network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: As a major active iridoid glycoside from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (Rubiaceae), geniposide possesses various pharmacological activities, including anti-platelet aggregation and anti-inflammatory action. Objectives: This study explores the effect of geniposide in diabetic wound model by anti-inflammatory action. Materials and methods: Diabetic rodent model in Wistar rats was induced by streptozotocin combined with high-fat feed. The selected rats were divided into control group, the diabetic model group and geniposide subgroups (200, 400 and 500 mg/kg), and orally administrated once daily with saline or geniposide. Wound area and histochemical indicators were measured on day 7 after continuous administration, to assess lesion retraction, inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. Results: Geniposide notably enhanced lesion retraction by 1.06-1.84 times on day 7 after surgical onset in diabetic rats (p<0.05). In the pathological experiment by HE staining, geniposide significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation of fibroblasts in the central lesion regions. In diabetic rats treated with geniposide, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1b (IL-1b)) and IL-6 were significantly reduced (p<0.05), followed with the increment of IL-10 in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of geniposide on TNF-a, IL-1b and IL-6 could be calculated as 1.36, 1.02 and 1.23 g/kg, respectively. It assumed that geniposide-induced IL-10 expression contributed to inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Discussion and conclusions: Geniposide promoted diabetic wound healing by anti-inflammation and adjusting blood glucose. Further topical studies are required to evaluate effects on antibacterial activity and skin regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Jinlida (JLD) as a traditional Chinese medicine formula has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and studies have shown its anti-obesity effect. Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of JLD in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Materials and methods: C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed a low-diet diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), or HFDþJLD (3.8 g/kg) for 16 weeks, respectively. The free fatty acids-induced lipotoxicity in HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the anti-pyroptotic effects of JLD. The pharmacological effects of JLD on NAFL were investigated by pathological examination, intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. Results: In vivo studies showed that JLD ameliorated HFD-induced liver injury, significantly decreased body weight and enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance. Furthermore, JLD suppressed both the mRNA expression of caspase-1 (1.58 vs. 2.90), IL-1β (0.93 vs. 3.44) and IL-18 (1.34 vs. 1.60) and protein expression of NLRP3 (2.04 vs. 5.71), pro-caspase-1 (2.68 vs. 4.92) and IL-1β (1.61 vs. 2.60). In vitro, JLD inhibited the formation of lipid droplets induced by 2mM FFA (IC50 = 2.727mM), reduced the protein expression of NLRP3 (0.74 vs. 2.27), caspase-1 (0.57 vs. 2.68), p20 (1.67 vs. 3.33), and IL-1β (1.44 vs. 2.41), and lowered the ratio of p-IKB-α/IKB-α (0.47 vs. 2.19). Conclusion: JLD has a protective effect against NAFLD, which may be related to its anti-pyroptosis, suggesting that JLD has the potential as a novel agent in the treatment of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybodontiform shark teeth, cephalic and fin spines as well as placoid scales are reported here for the first time from the continental, Lower Triassic Dongchuan Formation near the village of Zhaojia (Huize County, Yunnan Province) in south-west China. The isolated teeth are assigned to three unidentified hybodontiforms but also to a new species of Parvodus, P. huizodus sp. nov., the oldest record of this small-toothed lonchidiid shark genus, extending its range well down into the Lower Triassic. This new species, together with additional hybodontiform remains, provides new evidence of shark occurrences in the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction event, when freshwater environments might have acted as centers of origin rather than refugia for sharks. A review of the species assigned to Parvodus and similar small hybodontiform sharks reveals two distinct ecomorphological groups. Group 1, which is characterized by clutching-type dentitions, includes eight species (three of which remain unnamed) ranging from the Middle Triassic to Lower Cretaceous, while group 2, characterized by cutting-crushing type dentitions, comprises 11 species (six of which remain unnamed) including the type-species, P. rugianus ranging from the Lower Triassic to the Lower Cretaceous. The new fossils documented here reveal that hybodontiforms were already adapted to freshwater environments in the Lower Triassic rather than in the Jurassic in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after lung transplantation (LTx) which is closely related to the poor prognosis of patients. We aimed to explore potential risk factors and outcomes associated with early post-operative AKI after LTx. A retrospective study was conducted in 136 patients who underwent LTx at our institution from 2017 to 2019. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors related to AKI. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI after LTx. Secondary outcomes were associations between AKI and short-term clinical outcomes and mortality. Of the 136 patients analyzed, 110 developed AKI (80.9%). AKI was associated with higher baseline eGFR (odds ratio (OR) 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.03)) and median tacrolimus (TAC) concentration (OR 1.15 (95% CI: 1.02–1.30)). Patients with AKI suffered longer mechanical ventilation days (p =.015) and ICU stay days (p =.011). AKI stage 2–3 patients had higher risk of 1-year mortality (HR 16.98 (95% CI: 2.25–128.45)) compared with no-AKI and stage 1 patients. Our results suggested early post-operative AKI may be associated with higher baseline eGFR and TAC concentrations. AKI stage 1 may have no influence on survival rate, whereas AKI stage 2–3 may be associated with increased mortality at 1-year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how visual perspective affected the moral licensing effect. It was hypothesized that participants would act less morally when a moral behavior was recalled or imagined with a first-person perspective, whereas the effect would reverse in the third-person perspective condition. Participants recalled (Study 1) or imagined (Study 2 and 3) either a moral or an immoral/a neutral behavior, with either one of the two visual perspectives. The behavioral intentions of different subsequent moral behaviors as well as a real donating behavior were measured. All experiments found the licensing effect in the first-person perspective conditions but mixed results in the third-person perspective conditions. Moreover, the proposed mediation of construal level was not supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new phlorizin derivatives, 6"-O-vanilloylphlorizin (1), 6"-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)phlorizin (2), 6"-O-feruloylphlorizin (3), along with four known dihydrochalcones, phlorizin (4), 3-hydroxyphlorizin, trilobatin, and 6"-O-acetylphlorizin were isolated from the leaves of Lithocarpus litseifolius. Their structures were established by analysis of extensive spectroscopic data. The new compounds were shown to be non-cytotoxic when tested against A549, HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscles serve as a critical regulator of locomotion and damping, resulting in changes of soft tissue vibration. However, whether muscle fibre compositions of different individuals will cause different extents of soft tissue vibration during gait is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the differences in lower extremity vibration frequencies among power-trained and non-power-trained athletes during walking and running. Twelve weightlifting athletes were assigned to the power-trained group and twelve recreational runners were assigned to the non-power-trained group. Accelerometers were used to detect soft tissue compartment vibration frequencies of the rectus femoris (RF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GMS) during walking and running. Results indicated that power-trained athletes, as compared to the non-power-trained, induced significantly (p < 0.05) higher vibration frequencies in their soft tissue compartments during walking and running. This suggests that power-trained athletes, who have higher ratios of fatigable fast-twitch muscle fibres, may have induced higher soft tissue compartment vibration frequencies. As a result, there is a likelihood that power-trained athletes may recruit more fatigable fast-twitch muscle fibres during muscle tuning, causing dysfunctions during prolonged exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have considered bilingualism’s impact on cognitive development within the sociolinguistic and cultural context of the immigrant communities where bilingualism is commonly practiced. In the United States, many Mexican-origin bilingual youth practice their bilingual skills by brokering (i.e. translating/interpreting between languages) for their immigrant parents who have low English proficiency. Meanwhile, these youth may also experience discrimination in their daily life. The present study focuses on Mexican-origin bilingual youth brokers (N = 334) in order to examine how discriminatory experiences (i.e. daily and ethnic discrimination) and bilingual brokering experiences captured by profiles are related to cognitive control performance (i.e. attentional control and inhibition). We found no significant direct influence of either bilingual broker profiles or discriminatory experiences on cognitive control. However, the associations between discriminatory experiences and cognitive control performance depended upon brokering experiences. Specifically, greater discrimination was associated with lower cognitive control performance among moderate brokers (with moderate bilingual experiences), but the association was attenuated among efficacious brokers (with positive bilingual experiences). Findings highlight the need to consider the sociolinguistic heterogeneity of both discriminatory experiences and language use when investigating cognitive control performance in bilinguals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of primary metabolites such as amino acids, carbohydrates along with the secondary metabolites is important for the quality control of herbal. Therefore, a simple amino acid analysis method was investigated for the quality control of Protaetia brevitarsis. Six batches of P. brevitarsis collected from different feeding batches were used to analyze the amino acid composition and content. The amino acid composition was consistent in the six batches of P. brevitarsis, and the amino acid content of six batches of P. brevitarsis was also relatively stable. Under these conditions, the six batches of P. brevitarsis also possessed stable antioxidant activity. The stable composition and content of the amino acids could guarantee the stable antioxidant in batch-to-batch of P. brevitarsis. So, the amino acid-activity relationship as an effective method can be used to assess the quality of P. brevitarsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argumentation scaffolding can be used to enhance the formulation of logical arguments as well as the performance of such arguments. This study presents a web-based synchronized scientific argumentation environment integrated with prompt scaffolding to support simulation-based physics learning for elementary school students. To investigate the effects of prompt argumentation scaffolding, two sixth-grade classes totaling fifty-five students worked in small groups to complete a simulation-based physics learning activity regarding the principle of leverage. One class was allocated to an experimental group that received prompt argumentation scaffolding, whereas the other class was assigned to be the control group not receiving prompts. Learning achievements such as science conceptual understanding and scientific explanation skills were examined, and lag sequential analysis (LSA) was used to compare the argumentative behavioral patterns of the two groups. The results showed that the students in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group in terms of their capacity to produce scientific explanations, though no significant difference in their understanding of physical concepts. Furthermore, the LSA results revealed that the experimental group demonstrated more coherent, evidence-based arguments and conscious reasoning, whereas the control group displayed more of a conversational tone and was unstructured in its debates with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salix species are widely used as vegetation filters because of their flourishing root system and fast growth rate. However, studies have yet to determine whether the root system functions in vegetable filters with mixed heavy metal (HM) pollution or whether initial cutting participates in the phytoextraction of HMs. This study aims to determine the function of the root system and initial cutting as vegetation filters in the absorption and accumulation of Cd and Cu. Thick (>1 cm in diameter) and fine (<1 cm in diameter) initial cuttings of Salix matsudana were planted in a nutrient solution with single and mixed (Cd + Cu) treatments. The roots of several initial cuttings were removed daily to eradicate rhizofiltration. Results revealed that the existence of the root system altered distribution and interaction of Cd and Cu in plant organs and enhanced tolerance and phytoextraction capacity of plants. The initial cuttings could also absorb and accumulate HMs in the early growth stages of willow without roots. Cu inhibited the plant absorption and accumulation of Cd and promoted Cd transport to shoots. Cd inhibited the Cu absorption of the root system. Our study provided essential data regarding woody species as vegetation filters of HM pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenosides F4 and Rg6 (GF4 and GRg6), two main active components of steamed notoginseng or red ginseng, are dehydrated disaccharide saponins. In this work, biotransformation of ginsenosides F4 and Rg6 in zebrafish was investigated by qualitatively identifying their metabolites and then proposing their possible metabolic pathways. The prediction of possible metabolism of ginsenosides F4 and Rg6 using zebrafish model which can effectively simulate existing mammals model was early and quickly performed. Metabolites of ginsenosides F4 and Rg6 after exposing to zebrafish for 24 h were identified by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. A total of 8 and 6 metabolites of ginsenosides F4 and Rg6 were identified in zebrafish, respectively. Of these, 7 and 5, including M1, M3−M5, M7−M9 and N1 (N5), N2, N4 (N9), N7−N8 were reported for the first time as far as we know. The mechanisms of their biotransformation involved were further deduced to be desugarization, glucuronidation, sulfation, dehydroxylation, loss of C-17 and/or C-23 residue pathways. It was concluded that loss of rhamnose at position C-6 and glucuronidation at position C-3 in zebrafish were considered as the main physiologic and metabolic processes of ginsenosides F4 and ginsenosides Rg6, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping is one of the most potential ways to remediate contaminated soil. In this study, three plants, includingRumex nepalensiswhich is a lead (Pb) accumulator plant,Lolium perennewhich is tolerant to zinc (Zn) and a native plantTrifolium repens, were mutually intercropped in pots to study the effects of intercropping on co-remediation of Pb-Zn-contaminated soil from the Tangjia lead-zinc mine. Compared to the respective monoculture, the dry weights ofR. nepalensisandT. repenswere decreased under intercropping, while that ofL. perennewas increased. The concentrations of total Zn in the three plants were increased by intercropping in which roots were higher than shoots. Besides, intercropping increased the accumulation of Zn inR. nepalensisandL. perenneper plant. The accumulations of heavy metals forR. nepalensisandT. repensin a single pot were enhanced by intercropping. Both of the maximum values of heavy metals’ accumulation were produced by three-species intercropping (7819.31 μg/pot for Pb, 12576.05  μg/pot for Zn) in terms of a single pot. These results indicated that three-species intercropping could promote the phytoremediation efficiency for Tangjia lead-zinc mine, and thus further proved intercropping is an effective method to remediate the Pb-Zn-contaminated soil byR. nepalensisandT. repens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare carotane-type sesquiterpenoid, forkienin A (1), a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, forkienin B (2), and a new natural eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, forkienin C (3), were isolated from the twigs and leaves ofFokienia hodginsii, along with eight known sesquiterpenoids. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR methods. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A one-dimensional Pb(II) complex [Pb2(H2ODPT)2(H2O)7·H2O]n (1) (H4ODPT = 4,4′-Oxydiphthalic acid) has been synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that complex 1 is a one-dimensional chain polymer containing unique helical chains. Adjacent 1D chains are linked by π–π interaction, intermolecular and intramolecular O–H···O hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. The thermal stability and photoluminescent property of the title complex have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-doped SnO2films were deposited by reactive magnetron co-sputtering on Si (100) and glass substrates using Al and SnO2target. The structure, surface morphology, electrical, optical and photoluminescent properties of films were investigated. With the increase of doping power, the shift of peaks was observed in XRD spectrum, indicating that Al atoms have been incorporated into SnO2lattice successfully. Meanwhile, the grain size of the Al-doped SnO2thin film is much smaller than that of the un-doped SnO2thin film. The average transmittance of the films decreases from 83% to 75% as the doping power increases from 0 W to 60 W. Moreover, the intensity of the photoluminescence gets weaker due to the decrease of oxygen vacancy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Efforts to advance health technology assessment (HTA) in Taiwan have aimed to optimize the allocation of National Health Insurance (NHI) resources. This study documents and analyzes the historical timeline of Taiwan's efforts in HTA, identifying areas to advance the HTA system, such as gaining broad stakeholder acceptance. We document ambitious plans to establish a larger, independent HTA center and how these plans did not materialize. The historical timeline also describes the primary focus of HTA shifting to serve the needs of decision-making authorities and committees. We argue that these changes resulted in growth of the HTA system, but also led to significant external criticism and potential compromise of its foundational principles. The inability to create a national HTA center can be attributed to several factors, including an immature ecosystem of HTA-Policy-Patient-Provider-Academic collaboration, a lack of a supportive culture, and challenging political and economic conditions. Nevertheless, if effectively managed, Taiwan's current HTA system could play a crucial role in rational decision-making, informed choices, and efficient NHI resource management. We argue that greater autonomy is crucial for enhancing financial sustainability and protecting against external influences to ensure objective and credible assessments. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of fostering a conducive learning environment to improve methodological expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Atherosclerosis characterized by accumulation of foam cells in the arterial intimal layer is accelerated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We and others have previously demonstrated that serum from RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice had proatherogenic features that might lead to progression of atherosclerosis. Here we further examined the effects of serum from CIA mice on the transformation of macrophage-derived foam cells, and investigated potential mechanism. Methods: DBA/1j mice were used to establish CIA model. Murine peritoneal macrophages and macrophage cell line RAW264.7 were treated with different dilute concentrations of mice serum. Results: CIA mice serum increased cholesterol influx and accumulation in murine macrophages, and markedly up-regulated scavenger receptor CD36 expression in the cells, but had no effect on intracellular lipid efflux. Neutralizing monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, the most significant altered cytokine we observed between normal and CIA mice serum to CIA mice could not reverse these effects. However, administering simvastatin to CIA mice could lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level and elevate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) level in CIA mice serum, with attendant decreased lipid accumulation as well as CD36 expression in murine macrophages. Conclusion: Accelerated transformation of macrophage-derived foam cells via up-regulated CD36 expression is related to dyslipidemia rather than elevated inflammatory factor MCP-1 level in CIA mice serum. Decreased HDL-C and higher ox-LDL levels in CIA mice serum may link RA to atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoprophylaxis and chemosensitization are promising strategies to combat human cancers. Natural antioxidant agents show great promise in cancer therapy, and the use of edible mushrooms against cancer is receiving more interest globally. In this study, the radical scavenging activities including diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide were compared among hot water extracts from 3 edible mushrooms, among whichPleurotus pulmonarius(Pp) possessed the highest antioxidant potential. Oral administration of Pp 2 wk in advance could markedly inhibit the incidence and size of tumor (Huh7 liver cancer cells) with an inhibition rate of 93.1% in nude mice. No obvious side effect was observed in the Pp-treated mice as indicated by their body weight and histological analysis of major organs. The cancer prevention by Pp treatment might be explained by the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation indicated by reduction of ki-67 staining and the inactivation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway in the Pp-treated mice. Furthermore, a significant synergistic effect was observed when the mice were treated with a combination of low dose of cisplatin and Pp. Taken together, these results suggest the potential application of Pp as an adjuvant in the chemotherapy of liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel low-dimensional thermoelectric (TE) materials suffer from poor mechanical reliability, which limits their applications, especially in mechanically harsh environments. Here, we propose a new concept, in which the novel, abundant, thermally stable TE-nanostructures are dispersed and then intimately embedded inside a protective, mechanically reliable tetragonal ZrO2 (TZP) ceramic matrix with a low thermal conductivity. We also demonstrate an experimental proof-of-principle verification of our concept in reduced-graphene oxide (GO)–3 mol% Y2O3–ZrO2 (3YSZ or 3Y-TZP) nanocomposite system. TE characterizations suggest that our protective TZP matrix does not degrade the intrinsic TE property of the reduced GO network. These preliminary results are promising and encouraging to start research on similar TZP-matrix TE-nanocomposites, which contain more effective TE-nanostructures with larger intrinsic power factors. In this regard, we propose a scalable approach for fabrication of similar dense TE-nanocomposites composed of other one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional TE-nanostructures, which involves an aqueous colloidal approach and a subsequent spark plasma sintering. These new TZP-matrix TE-nanocomposites could be used for sustainable clean power generation, especially in mechanically harsh environments with thermal/mechanical shocks and vibrations, where energy availability, reliability and durability are more important than the energy efficiency. Considering the excellent biocompatibility of TZP matrix, they could even be used inside the body to power implanted medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramic possesses a unique combination of nice mechanical performance, high melting point (> 3000 °C) and great high-temperature oxidation resistance (up to 1600 °C), which makes it a promising material system for ever-increasing ultra-high temperature (UHT) applications. However, ZrB2 suffers from poor mechanical performance at UHTs, which could strongly limit its applications at UHT. Here, we successfully demonstrate that texturing is an effective strategy to greatly enhance the flexural strength of monolithic ZrB2, reaching a high value of 810 ± 60 MPa at 1600 °C when loaded in c-axis direction. We thoroughly discuss the strengthening mechanism by in-depth microstructural observations and analysis. Our discovery has technological and scientific implications for other UHT ceramic systems, especially those using ZrB2 as a matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated intratracheal injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in male Wistar rats was used to investigate the role of chronic infection in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the possible involvement of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) in this process. Injections of PA or normal saline solution were given for 8 weeks and the rats observed for a further 8 weeks. In addition to arterial blood gas, lung function and lung pathology measurement during this time period, protein and mRNA expression of CTGF and BMP-7 were measured, and the correlation of expression of CTGF and BMP-7 with pathological changes in the lung was evaluated. Repeated intratracheal PA infection in rats caused reduction in body weight, hypoxia, carbon dioxide retention, compromised lung function, chronic inflammation, thickening of the tracheal and arterial walls, and emphysema, changes consistent with those of COPD. Rats with PA infection also had increased CTGF and decreased BMP-7 expression, suggesting that both CTGF and BMP-7 are involved in the occurrence and development of airway remodeling. Our findings suggest that repeated airway infection is not only a factor resulting in deterioration of COPD, but is also a risk factor for its development, and that CTGF and BMP-7 are involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stable dimeric structures of human β-defensin (HBD)-3 and -28 have been first computationally identified via a protein docking approach in conjunction with all-atom molecular dynamic simulation. We found that both HBD dimers contain an extended β-sheet platform stabilised mainly by the interaction of second β-sheets and further investigated interaction mechanisms of these dimers including HBD-2 against 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-phosphatidylglycerol membrane bilayer by using coarse-grained model combined with the ElNeDyn network. The extended β-sheet platform of the HBD dimer stayed over the bilayer due to the attachment of the amphipathic region located on one side of the β-sheet platform. The hydrophobic residues of HBDs on the surface interact with the hydrophobic tails of the lipids, whereas the positively charged residues interact with the lipid polar head groups. Finally, antimicrobial nature of HBD-2, HBD-3 and HBD-28 dimers is found to be kept because they are not detached in interacting with the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, rapid changes in the Earth's climate and environment have influenced our lives greatly. The ocean occupies 70% of the Earth's surface and is intimately related to the regulation of climate, fostering of life, and also to social economy, as well as sports and leisure. Students in the senior years of primary education are in a phase of developing value systems. Concurrently, these students are also constantly using the Earth's resources. More importantly, they will play leading roles in the next generation. From the perspective of education, the learning status of student's cognition, attitudes, and behaviors regarding protection of the marine environment must be understood more clearly to avoid future mismanagement of marine environmental problems on the part of these students. Hence, this study uses correlative, regressive, and path statistical analysis to examine data collected from questionnaires. Results show that student knowledge of and attitudes toward marine environmental protection do not have significant influences on behaviors; however, student's marine environmental protection knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors are all within the medium to high range. Because of relatively low student curricular involvement, and because involvement has no correlation with knowledge performance, this study infers that school curricula are not the main sources of student information and attitudes regarding marine environmental protection. Rather, building student attitudes toward marine environmental protection by increasing their involvement in field trips indirectly influences behaviors that are protective of the marine environment. Such an approach is comparatively more effective and can serve as a reference for modifying the implementation methods of marine protection curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to endow polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) with improved pH-sensitivity by blending a random copolymer of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-maleic anhydride) (P(MMA-MA)). It was found that PES membrane modified by random copolymer had more obvious pH-sensitivity than those by alternative copolymer; while low molecular weight copolymer modified PES membrane had no pH-sensitivity. P(MMA-MA) was synthesized by a controlled dosing method via free radical polymerization and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography technique (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the HFMs. The modified HFMs showed excellent pH-sensitivity, pH-reversibility and hysteresis of water flux. Through the ultrafiltration of PEG solution, we investigated the pore size change and the electroviscous effect on the water flux of the modified HFMs. Meanwhile, the modified membranes were stable with respect to the mechanical force (pressure) and exhibited good ability of Cu2+adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new lanthanide coordination polymers with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoic acid (H2PA), [Ln(HPA)3(H2O)2]·2H2O [Ln = Pr (1); Eu (2); Er (3)] were obtained by hydrothermal syntheses and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Complexes1–3are isomorphous 2-D supramolecular structures, in which lanthanide ions are bridged by carboxyl groups of HPA−to form 1-D chain structures, and the chains are further linked to 2-D supramolecular structures by hydrogen bonds. HPA−exhibit chelating and μ2-bridging coordination mode. The thermogravimetric analysis of2was carried out to examine the thermal stability and the photoluminescence of2was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disease failure patterns and optimal treatment of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma are unknown. This retrospective study involved 71 patients with primary BALT lymphoma who had received radiotherapy (RT), surgery, immunochemotherapy (IC), or observation. The median follow-up time was 66 months. The 5-year overall survival and lymphoma-specific survival were 91.2% and 96.1%, respectively, and were not significantly different among treatments. The 5-year cumulative incidence of overall failure for RT, surgery, IC, and observation was 0%, 9.7% (p =.160), 30.8% (p =.017), and 31.3% (p =.039). There was no grade ≥3 toxicity in RT group according to the CTCAE 5.0 reporting system. Quality of life (QoL) was at similarly good levels among the treatment groups. BALT lymphoma had a favorable prognosis but persistent risk of relapse after IC or observation. Given the very low disease failure risk and good QoL, RT remains an effective initial treatment for BALT lymphoma. BALT lymphoma has a favorable prognosis but a persistent progression and relapse risk. Radiotherapy is associated with lower failure of disease progression and relapse, low toxicity and good quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coumarins, clauexcavatins A (1) and B (2), along with seven known ones (3–9), were isolated from the roots of Clausena excavata Burm. f. (Rutaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is a major factor contributing to endothelial cell damage. Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have oxidative properties; however, the oxidative effects of SWCNTs on endothelial cells are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of oxidative stress induced by SWCNTs on rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs). Various markers of cellular damage were assessed, such as biochemical and ES immunity indexes, and DNA and protein damage. Our findings suggest that RAEC endured oxidative damage following SWCNT exposure. Specifically, after SWCNTs exposure, non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione was activated prior to superoxide dismutase activation in order to defend against oxidative stress. Additionally, it was found that as SWCNT concentration increased, so did the stress protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), expression levels. These changes may induce RAEC damage, and result in many serious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new coordination polymer, Zn[(bdc)(bim)]·2H2O (1)(H2bdc = 5-hydroxylisophthalic acid, bim = bis(N-imidazolyl)methane), has been synthesized under hydrothermal condition and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. This complex crystallizes in the triclinic system with the space group Pī and cell parameters a = 9.1516(9) Å, b = 9.7894(10) Å, c = 11.4609(12) Å, α = 82.963(2)o, β = 74.813(2)o, γ = 65.347(2)o, and Z = 2 with R1 = 0.0358. Complex 1 exhibits a 1D tube-like feature, meanwhile, a D2h-symmetric cyclic (H2O)4 cluster is located in the 1D tubes, which is further interlinked via π-π stacking interactions between the phenyl ring of adjacent chains to generate a 2D supramolecular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3D structure of the human β-defensin 28 (HBD-28) has been investigated via homology modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) approach. With known high-resolution structures of HBD-2 and -3, single- and multiple-template sequence alignments are applied to find highly probable candidates for HBD-28, which are in turn refined through MD simulations in pure water and 50% trifluoroethanol/water mixture. The models obtained from homology modelling were assessed by protein structure validation software suite, which includes Procheck, MolProbity, Verify-3D and various structure validation tools. We found that modelling quality is proportionally related to the sequence alignment accuracy. In comparison with circular dichroism experimental data as well as stabilities of β-sheets and α-helix, HBD-28 with a reliable 3D structure was found. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effect of Ti(IV) on the degradation efficiency of acetic acid by O3/H2O2 was investigated. The removal rate of acetic acid by O3/H2O2 increased from 8.0% to 62.9% after 30 min when Ti(IV) was added to acetic acid solution at pH 2.8. The optimized parameters were as follows: the pH of acetic acid solution less than 5.0; the mass concentration ratios of H2O2 to Ti(IV), and to acetic acid about 40:1, and 3:50, respectively. The analysis of the kinetics of acetic acid degradation using the relative method showed that Ti(IV)/H2O2/O3 produced more hydroxyl radicals than did H2O2/O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bridge function required to yield a singlet integral equation (IE) up to the second order in density expansion for the hard sphere fluid confined in a slit-pore is evaluated. The slit-fluid bridge function can be divided into wall-particle bridge diagrams with hb-bond, which were evaluated by recently proposed Transition Matrix Monte Carlo (TMMC) Mayer-sampling method. The bulk-fluid total correlation function hb(r) used in cluster integrals is determined by solution of the bulk-fluid Ornstein-Zernike (OZ) equation with a hypernetted chain closure (HNC). The calculation is performed for the reduced density of bulk fluid in equilibrium with the fluid in slit-pores from 0.3 to 0.7 with narrow slit width of 3.0σ and 4.0σ. The quantity of the slit-fluid bridge function is assessed by comparison of the density profile obtained from the singlet IE theory and the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation. Good agreement between the proposed approach and the GCMC data is observed. The reduced normal pressure is also calculated, and agrees well with the simulation data at low to medium densities but becomes a little larger at high density. It is expected that the result can be improved by adding higher order bridge coefficients. The direct evaluation of the slit-fluid bridge function seems to be practical since a great improvement of the quality of the singlet IE theory has been achieved for predicting the structural and thermodynamic properties of fluids confined in narrow slit pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two modified Mayer-sampling methods are described based on Transition Matrix Monte Carlo (TMMC) and overlap sampling for calculating the integrated diagrams appearing in the coefficients of the bridge function; bn(r) constructed in terms of the total correlation function h(r) for a hard-sphere system. Calculations are performed using prescribed h(r) for reduced densities at 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 up to the third-order expansion in density. The results from these methods compared with the generic Monte Carlo Mayer-sampling are analysed in detail. It was found that the TMMC Mayer-sampling approach shows better precision over core and tail regions of b2(r) and b3(r), and the overlap sampling method shows overall improvement in the precision of the bridge coefficients. Both methods can be straightforwardly applied to calculate higher order bridge function coefficients and to any model systems with relatively simple modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes a Bayesian approach to check the goodness of fit for time series regression models. Test statistics proposed by Smith (1985) based on a sequence of random variables which are independently distributed standard normal if the model is correct; Methods used to estimate the sequence of random variables; Particle filters; Importance sampling; Model adequacy.

In this paper, the projection method, the stereographic method and the spherical map method are used to calculate the spatial angle of the parts with the oblique hole in the numerical control machining center. At the same time, the calculation principle and method of the spatial double deflection angle hole system in the numerical control machining center are studied.The projection method is used to analyze the spatial angle relation of Φ10 holes in milling. V spherical method and H spherical method are used to calculate the positioning angle and the orientation angle. The spatial angle of a valve body part in milling Φ12 space inclined hole is calculated by using the stereographic method, and the positioning angle and the orientation angle are calculated by using the V spherical graph method and the H spherical graph method.The calculation results show that the spatial angles obtained by the above methods are the same, which verifies the correctness and the feasibility of the calculation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolite lactic acid has always been regarded as a metabolic by-product rather than a bioactive molecule. Recently, this view has changed since it was discovered that lactic acid can be used as a signal molecule and has novel signal transduction functions both intracellular and extracellular, which can regulate key functions in the immune system. In recent years, more and more evidence has shown that lactic acid is closely related to the metabolism and polarization of macrophages. During inflammation, lactic acid is a regulator of macrophage metabolism, and it can prevent excessive inflammatory responses; In malignant tumors, lactic acid produced by tumor tissues promotes the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, which in turn promotes tumor progression. In this review, we examined the relationship between lactic acid and macrophage metabolism. We further discussed how lactic acid plays a role in maintaining the homeostasis of macrophages, as well as the biology of macrophage polarization and the M1/M2 imbalance in human diseases. Potential methods to target lactic acid in the treatment of inflammation and cancer will also be discussed so as to provide new strategies for the treatment of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Mexican-origin adolescents experience multiple contextual stressors (e.g., discrimination, economic stress, and foreigner stress) that may result in increased marijuana use, they actively engage in cultural practices (e.g., language brokering) that may protect them from adverse developmental outcomes. Yet, the joint influence of contextual stressors and language brokering on marijuana use has rarely been studied from a developmental perspective. Using a sample of 604 Mexican-origin adolescent brokers (54% female, Mage.Wave1 = 12.41), we examined how stability and change of language brokering–contextual stress (i.e., broker–stress) profiles across three waves are related to adolescent marijuana use. We hypothesized that adolescents with positive brokering experiences and lower contextual stress across three waves (i.e., those in the Stable Protective profile) would be the least likely to use marijuana. For brokering for mothers, the Stable Protective and the Change to Protective groups were less likely than other groups to use marijuana. For brokering for fathers, the Stable Protective group was the least likely to use marijuana and the Change to Protective group was less likely than the Risk at Any Wave group to use marijuana. Interventions could foster brokering-related positive feelings across the course of adolescence to reduce marijuana use among Mexican-origin adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory paper articulates the development, characteristics and nature of global university presidents and their leadership. It draws insights from a growing project which so far has involved in-depth interviews with 18 presidents of major globally focused universities. Analysing and reporting these interview results reveals the enigmatic world of presidential leadership broadens this field of research beyond the Anglosphere, helps build interpretative frameworks and perspectives, and furnished insights for guiding leadership development. The exploratory findings reinforce the particular value of studying university presidents, as these people have enormous authority, expertise and prominence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic principle and procedure which is using the stereoscopic geometry, spherical surface method and projection method to solving the spatial bidirectional deflection angle are described in this paper. Respectively, it is using the above three methods to solve the positioning deflection angle of the space double angle in the adjustable modular fixture, through the typical examples, it calculates the positioning angle and the orientation angle of different kinds of parts which are positioning in the modular fixture; It is also to design a set of modular fixture which is suitable for space double angle with drilling and milling jig, the other is suitable for rotary space angle with milling modular fixture, there are suitable for all kinds of parts that can adjusting the space double angle, it is solving the positioning and clamping problems of the similar parts in the processing and it is satisfied to the requirement of NC machining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]